I'm feeling so scared of bankruptcy

Mrs_Bones

Hello,

I found this site by accident today. I'm in trouble with my debts and both CAB and CCCS have advised me to go bankrupt but I just can't seem to get my head around things even thought they have tried to explain it to me.

Due to a few things happening at the same time (though strangly not anything to do with my debts, which i was handling up to this happening),I had a mental breakdown, which has forced me to finish my job of 22 years, currantly i'm under the local MHU but because of this and other health problems it does not look like I will be able to get back to work for quite some time. I am currently only getting Incapacity Benefit with amounts to £373 every 4 weeks, I'v been told I should get DLA and CAB are helping me with the forms for that but they say it could be 3 to 4 months before i know if I can.

I have had to stop paying my creditors because there really is no money spare each month, which of course is leading to some very nasty phone calls and making me so scared even in my own home. I have cut everything out of my spending I can. I'm not going to get rid of my dog he's the only thing i'v got that i care about. I don't know what else to do.
CAB have said they can help me with the forms for bankruptcy but no one would be able to come to court with me, so I don't think I could do it, I find it hard enought getting out of my front door going to court would be terrifying, I'm so scared what they are going to come and take out of my home.

marste

Hi,

Firstly sorry to hear you've been ill, hope you feel better soon and I think you will once your bankruptcy is over with!

Well all as I can do is give you some support I'm about to go bankrupt too, due to personal circumstances. When I pluck up courage later I will write on here and see if there's any advice, I haven't paid my creditors for 2 months as my husband was made redundant again! (twice in 2 years). He has another job but is on nearly half the wages he was in his first job! So my dmp went out of the window!

Anyway, been on the phone to the cccs this morning and have to fill out bankruptcy forms then make an appointment for the courts. Don't let going to court stop you doing it, it's better to get it over with than be hassled constantly isn't it! But my heads cabbaged too so that makes 2 of us lol oh! and my hubby's going though it so that makes 3 ha ha!!! But I'll have to go to court on my own as hubby will be working. So your not the only one, maybe we can support each other As for your home, do you own or rent? I rent mine off the local authority so it looks like I should be ok. if you own it there must be people to help you with that.

Instead of worrying, lets think positive and think how we are going to feel in a few weeks when it's all done. We have to be strong and get it over with. My husband is like you and I have to be strong for him too so good luck and go the CAB and get those forms filled in. I'm on here now looking for the opening times of mine cos these forms are double dutch to me lol.

Waspeze

Hi and welcome

you've come to the right place for help and support!

I know it's easy for me to say, having done it already but for a lot of people the actual build up to bankruptcy is a lot worse than the actual deed itself .. it's the uncertainty and not knowing in part.

I know first hand how nasty the DCA's can be.. threatening you with anything they can think off .. just remember they will try and bully you into paying more than you can afford.

Unless you have defaulted on a CCJ or have unpaid council tax then no one who calls at your house has any right of entry if you don't let them in.

If you go BR no one will call and take things away either.

Gotta leave it here as off out for a bit but others more knowledgable will be along soon i'm sure

blind-as-a-bat_2

Hi Mrs Bones and welcome

considering the cercomstance you have already done fantastic to get as far as you have already

If you cant handle the nasty phone calls from the creditors and if your with BT you can get your number changed just by giving bt a ring, its normally done same day and will remove that bit of stress for you.

While you cant egnore your creditors there is little or no use talking to them on the phone as all they are trying to do is get a payment out of you, they dont record or even listen to any reasons you cant pay, all they want to here is that you will pay what they want.

And as your on benefits you cants so its tough on them, there threats are almost always empty ones, they wont take you to court unless they believe it is worth it to them and have virtually no powers to do anything except what they are doing know and that is scaring you on the phone.

Can i just ask wht the situation is regarding your home? do you own or is it rented?

Cinderbrook

In my view your best course of action is to book the CAB to do your forms with you and at the same time ring your local court and book yourself in. If you are outside of London it may be a few weeks before you go to court.

Please don't worry about the the court thing. You will see from other threads that most people encounter very pleasant court staff. All that happens is that you go in meet the BR clerk who goes through your forms and about 1 hour later you see the the judge informally for about 2 minutes if that. Then, all done. Whatever reasons for your bankrupty, the session with the OR is really just to clarify any points they might have. For someone on benefits and in your position I think it is likely that they will only be straightforward and sympathetic with you. Please don't be scared the worry is the worst thing. You can easily go to court on your own, I did, it's really just an formal office procedure. Personally I would go with whichever organisation, CAB or CCCS that can do your forms the quickest. Good luck.

scaredwitless32

Hi Mrs Bones,
Sorry to hear of your situation, firstly I would just like to say that NO ONE will come to take anything from your house, UNLESS it is over extremely high value, or there is a vehicle in question.(even then its arguable)
The whole court process is easy, please believe me, there is nothing to worry about. Do you not have a friend or a mental health worker that you can take along for support?
Have a good read of these forums, there are soo many personal accounts of the BR route, and huge amounts of advice and support. Ask away with any questions you have, even if you think they are a bit silly, we have all asked them before

dalip

Hi mrs bones.You hang on to your woofer mine helped me through my bc.

There are so many supportive people on this site. I am wondering if you tell us your local court and some kind person on here would be willing to give up a few hours to come to court with you. I for one would

Just an idea what does anybody else think?

Hang in there we will help both emotionally and with all your bc questions.Take care D


Marste
You have done the worst post, the first one;)

So_Sad_Angel

Hi MrsBones,

I found this site by chance as well!!! best thing that ever happened to me!.

In any situation its support that really counts...we all have had the bad days ...debt does that & just being able to talk through your situation is a tremendous help & builds confidence along the way!

Ask anything you like (as long as its clean ...well before the watershed at least) & be assured that someone with know the answer!

Remember also that even though you are going through hell...try & keep a sense of humour..that may sound odd when you are so low, but a smile now & then is great therapy. I`m sure you will notice that on this board ...its OK to smile...even when in debt!!.

Also got 3 dogs myself...they are like my babies!! they annoy the hell out of me at times but always make a fuss of me & I know theres always someone to come home to.

Well done for posting...

Angiexx

Ps Marste...I will look out for your thread with interest...welcome also x

philnicandamy

dalip wrote: »

Hi mrs bones.You hang on to your woofer mine helped me through my bc.

There are so many supportive people on this site. I am wondering if you tell us your local court and some kind person on here would be willing to give up a few hours to come to court with you. I for one would Some courts now offer whats called "Personal Support Unit" someone that will sit with you & help you around the building during your bankruptcy visit explain things to you about the court & what will happen should you see the judge...depends where OP is going to court though as its not wide available yet...

Just an idea what does anybody else think?

Hang in there we will help both emotionally and with all your bc questions.Take care D


Marste
You have done the worst post, the first one;)

Just a little thought....

Mrs_Bones

Thank you everyone, you have all been so kind.

In answer to some of your questions. I don't own a house or car and I don't have anything of high vaule. I'm currently having to live at home with my dad who is himself retired and not in the best of health, he has said he will support me with going bankrupt if I think thats what i want to do but he does not feel he'll be fit enought to come to the court with me. He was worried about baileifs comeing to the house and how it would affect him but CAB have said it will not affect him personaly, could someone please reasure me that this is true. I don't want to cause trouble for my dad or let him be in anyway responsiable for my debts.
I do have a primary care team social worker, i'v not thought of talking to her but I guess i could ask if she would come to court with me.

philnicandamy

I have to agree with everyone though...I came across this place in my probably worse hour of need, i'd just been finished work through Ill health & struggling to pay the debts I had I felt confused & thought I was alone in trying to deal with everything..I plucked up the courage and posted my 1st post...and I'm glad I did....the support from the guys & gals here has been above and beyond AND once you go bankrupt the support dont stop its still there 24/7

Rest assured your debts will not affect your dad unless you have anything joint? loans? if not then your ok...either way nobody will come to take anything away so try not to worry about that (I know easier said than done) i've worked in the PCT for many years with community based projects...talk to your social worker she might be able to come to court with you, she will be allowed to she'll not be able to advise you or go into court should you have to see the judge..if you do thats only 10mins or so anyhow..if not maybe someone from the CAB? or you could telephone the court and ask if they have a "support unit" thats someone that will help you through the day sit with you in court etc...not available everywhere though so depends where your planning to go to court....everyone here is with you every step of the way we'd all come with you if we could!